Under Florida's current workers' compensation law, first responders who develop post-traumatic stress disorder won't be covered unless they have a physical injury as well. First responders, their families and friends say the system is forcing EMTs, firefighters and cops to stay on the job, even when they’re medically not fit to work. Deborah Luis Ortiz’s husband is a first responder.

“And they’re working the streets with undiagnosed and untreated PTSD. This affects us all,” Ortiz said.

A bill sponsored by Representative Matt Willhite (D - Wellington) would approve that coverage outright, so first responders don't have to choose between their mental health and their pay check. The measure is still an improvement from where first responders are now. But the amended bill means first responders with PTSD would have a limited window to qualify for workers comp. Their diagnosis must come within two years of witnessing the traumatic incident. Willhite says the changes stem from feedback he’s gotten.

“It comes with a lot of hard work, and input from staff, members, and members of the community that are dealing with this,” Willhite said.

The changes would also require employers to educate new hires on mental health. The amended plan passed its first House committee Tuesday. The companion version, sponsored by Senator Lauren Book (D - Plantation) also has two more committee stops before it's ready for a floor vote.

Florida lawmakers want more people to be able to report drug or alcohol overdoses without fear of retaliation. The effort comes after the high-profile death of a college student, and as the state’s opioid-related deaths continue to rise.

A measure looking to preempt local ordinances regulating vacation rentals cleared its first hurdle today in the Florida Legislature. The Senate Community Affairs Committee passed the bill by a vote of 4-2.

First responders run towards crashes, emergencies and catastrophes, not away from them. And for some, their experiences are leading to post traumatic stress disorder. But in Florida, first responders who develop PTSD on the job don’t get compensated, unless they have a physical injury as well. Now there are efforts at the statehouse to change that. A note to listeners, the following story includes frank discussion of death and suicide.

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